Consul General Neithart Höfer-Wissing opened the event and highlighted the enormous potential for cooperation in research and innovation with institutions in Novosibirsk. The informational event was followed by the vernissage of the mathematics exhibition entitled "IMAGINARY". Representatives of research institutions and universities as well as students from Novosibirsk all took part in the opening.

The event participants were surveyed about their interest in strengthening cooperation with German research and innovation institutions and universities. A questionnaire was used to capture perceptions of Russian research institutes, universities and innovative SMEs about key issues, formats and existing collaboration. The analysis showed that all of the institutions participating in the survey already have a German partner organisation (usually a university or and research institution) but are hoping to expand cooperation with other German institutions. The participants mainly expressed a desire for joint publications, joint projects in research and development as well as staff exchanges, conferences, shared laboratories and educational programmes. They are mainly interested in collaborating in basic research followed by applied research and education. The priority subjects are optical technologies, nanotechnology, energy efficiency, environmental technology and biotechnologies, which all correspond to the thematic focus of the national campaign.